Luke O'Nien signs new one-year contract with Watford

Luke O’Nien will be remaining at Vicarage Road next season after signing a new 12-month deal with Watford.

The first-year professional was out of contract this summer but has ended doubts about his Hornets future by penning a new deal.

The 19-year-old midfielder has consistently impressed with his attitude and professionalism but his future with the Hornets appeared uncertain towards the end of the season when he made two trial appearances for Sheffield United Under-21s before moving to Wealdstone on loan for the final month of the campaign.

O'Nien made his debut as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Barnsley in March but Beppe Sannino acknowledged the difficulty he would face to break into the first-team frame on a regular basis by admitting afterwards: "For Luke it will be a good day because he made his debut but don't ask me if and when he will play again."

The Hornets head coach has spoken warmly about the youngster on several occasions during the season and after putting him on the bench for the FA Cup defeat at Manchester City in January, he said: "Luke O’Nien on Saturday was touching the sky. I saw him playing with the ball before the warm-up and he looked like a happy child. I am happy for him."

Fellow academy graduate Sean Murray also acknowledged O'Nien's appetite for work after the 4-2 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

He said: "Today will have been great for Luke and it is a reward for all of his hard work. You see him out there every day [doing extra training]; he has an unbelievable attitude and being involved in this kind of game is a great reward for him."

Meanwhile, Kurtis Cumberbatch has signed a professional contract with Charlton Athletic after being told by Watford he could leave the club when his scholarship ends.

The midfielder joined the Hornets at the age of 15 after he was let go by Tottenham Hotspur.

However, he was one of seven Watford scholars who were not offered pro deals at Vicarage Road.

Good to see that we have not let another potential talent go. He may be loaned out but players such as Luke are still are future and not some of the rubbish loans that Nani has lumbered us with.

Good to see that we have not let another potential talent go. He may be loaned out but players such as Luke are still are future and not some of the rubbish loans that Nani has lumbered us with.andyhooked